2018 NFL Draft: Virginia Tech linebacker Tremaine Edmunds has tremendous upside
The 2018 NFL Draft is stacked with tremendous talent on the linebacker side, and will Virginia Tech’s Tremaine Edmunds be a possible first round pick?
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Tremaine Edmunds is a one of a kind athlete and leads the defense for Virginia Tech. As a top linebacker recruit, in his last two seasons, Edmunds gives high impact on the field and there is still room for him to improve on his abilities.
During his freshman year, Edmunds started twice and played 13 games for the Hokies. In 2016, he became a second-team All ACC pick. The very next year, Edmunds was a first-team All ACC selection with 109 tackles, 5.5 sacks and three forced fumbles.
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Edmunds was part of a dynamic duo with his brother, Terrell Edmunds. Both were leaders for Virginia Tech football and are moving on to the NFL together. Tremaine has been particularly remarkable during his seasons with the Hokies. So remarkable, in fact, that a first round selection is more than plausible.
Strengths
Edmunds is confident in his size as a linebacker; the 19-year-old is 6-foot-5 and 253 pounds. He uses his size and speed to create range on the field, which makes him a valuable playmaker. Because he’s a versatile player, Edmunds can tackle from all angles on the field. He has good man coverage abilities aided by his tremendous closing speed.
Brian Urlacher is Edmunds’ NFL comparison. A Pro Bowl linebacker, Urlacher has high intensity as an elite defender. Urlacher has the ability to read other quarterbacks, and Edmunds has the potential to be even greater with his strengths in coverage.
Weaknesses
As young player, Edmunds instincts on the field are still developing. He lacks quick reaction time, and has to rely on his athletic ability. Edmunds goes ahead of plays and will need to practice patience on the field. He needs to continue to gain upper and lower body strength to hold up on attacks.
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Draft expectations
Edmunds is an elite athlete and truly performs on the field. He is the complete package as a linebacker and is at a prime age to still grow in his position. Edmunds is unique in his size and speed, and he uses that as an advantage. Look for him in the mid-late first round to the New Orleans Saints or San Francisco 49ers